Elementary Students Learn Math and Science Through Hands-on Experience with USF Nursing Human Patient Simulator

Students at Jesse Keen Elementary School in Lakeland, Florida learned hands-on about robotics, science, nursing, healthcare and math on May 7, 2012 with the help of the University of South Florida College of Nursing. Troy L. Hambrick, USF College of Nursing Virtual Simulation Lab Assistant, visited the elementary school spent the day presenting the “Laerdal SimMan3G”, a high-fidelty human patient simulator, to over 300 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders.

University of South Florida College of Nursing Virtual Simulation Lab Assistant Troy Hambrick shows Jesse Keen Elementary School students one of the human patient simulators used to train USF nursing students.

“Mr. Troy Hambrick made a wonderful presentation during the science lab to over 300 students in one day,” said Faye Wilson, Principal at Jesse Keen Elementary School, Lakeland, Fl. “The science lab project is designed to get the students excited about science and math. These children were very excited, I don’t think they ever saw anything like it! Everyone wants to know when Troy can come back again.”    

In small groups, the students were able to interact with the robotic human patient simulator and were immersed in how science and math play important roles in healthcare and the profession of nursing.

“I can take our Laerdal SimMan3G out into the community to also educate and inform students about on how the simulator relates to a multitude of careers such as nursing, nursing educators, doctors, technology, computers, computer programming, engineering and robotics, to just name a few,” said Hambrick. “If it can get these elementary school children to thinking and having a visual, kinesthetic object that they relate to for subjects like math and science for example, I feel I have touched them in some way.”

They also learned how the nursing students at USF utilize the human patient simulator to practice and perfect skills needed to be a nurse.

“I would like to continue to expose our human patient simulators to as many school age children to help them think about their futures and to show them what we have to offer here at our USF College of Nursing,” said Hambrick.

USF Nursing students benefit from laboratory experiences with human patient simulation. Within the VSCE, students are prepared for the complexities of clinical experiences through the aid of technological tools. The use of human patient simulators provides opportunities for students to practice nursing skills before encountering patients.They also have the opportunity to master skills they will need in the hospitals, like medication dispensing units and electronic charting.

“Reaching out into the community and igniting the desire to pursue a nursing career is fun no matter the age of the audience. But when the members of the VSCE can introduce the exciting educational opportunities to elementary students, it is really enjoyable,” said Marisa Belote, RN, BSN, MBA, Instructor & Director, Virtual Simulation Center of Excellence and Clinical Education (VSCE).

Hambrick is a member Florida Healthcare Simulation Alliance steering committee and a member of the Tampa Bay Simulation Network group. He is also active in the USF College of Nursing Diversity Committee and Staff Council Committee. In addition to his work at USF Hambrick teaches an after school PATHS (Positive Alternative Thinking Strategies) class for 2nd-5th graders through the Lakeland Volunteers In Medicine Group and volunteers at Jesse Keen elementary assisting teachers with students that need extra help. Hambrick is a state certified “class D” soccer coach and is also very active with numerous organizations educating the community about domestic violence and sexual assault.